FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) -- The race to become Kentucky's next governor is taking shape, and Attorney General Jack Conway just may have smooth sailing to the Democratic nomination.

Conway announced back in May that he's running for governor. On Monday, he and running mate, Rep. Sannie Overly (D-Paris) made it official.

Family members joined Conway and Overly as they filed their paper work at the Secretary of State's office at the Capitol.

Ironically, it's Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes who may hold the key as to whether Conway has an easy path to the Democratic nomination.

Grimes has been silent about her future following her loss to Mitch McConnell in the U.S. Senate race.

"I was as supportive as I could be of her, and I want to be helpful to her as she moves forward in whatever she does. I would be shocked if she runs," said Conway.

Conway and Overly kicked off their campaign with a rally at the Kentucky History Center in Frankfort.

"It's been an unprecedented show of Democratic unity as we prepare for the governor's race," Conway told the crowd.

So far, Conway is the only major Democrat in the race, with more than a half-dozen potential rivals already opting out.

"Well, you always plan for competition, but I know I can only control that which is in my control," Conway told reporters.

Conway has already raised more than $1 million, and he would like to save as much as possible for the general election.

Backers believe, at this point, other Democrats will likely stay out.

"Democrats recognize Jack as a great candidate and someone they're all going to get behind," said Bill Londrigan, president of the Kentucky AFL-CIO.

But even if Conway breezes through the Democratic primary, he'll have to buck a statewide Republican trend if he is to join the other portraits in the History Center's Hall of Governors.

"The people on the local level, as long as you're willing to put Kentucky first, you understand their needs, and you don't get involved in all this Washington nonsense, the people of this state are ready to elect a Democrat as the next governor," said Conway.